Convergence and participation in children's television: the case of Flemish public service television

Flemish public television is increasingly conceived as a convergent, cross-media enterprise, as most clearly exemplified by Ketnet – VRT’s cross-media brand and platform for children. Drawing on theories about convergence and participation as key characteristics of the networked society, this chapter empirically investigates the production of children’s television by analysing Ketnet’s online and cross-media presence. First, the chapter draws on qualitative content analysis to chart how Ketnet combines programmes and digital content. Second, in-depth interviews with producers explore the rationale behind this and its participatory potential. Our findings indicate that Ketnet is strongly convergent because television and online content are closely aligned, despite organisational and financial restrictions. Ketnet is also highly participatory, but not in the maximalist sense of sharing editorial power and control with children. There are ample opportunities for interaction and some for co-creation, but professionals keep tight control over the production process, which cautions against celebratory accounts of a radical shift in power in convergent media culture.